Breakdown of Communicable Diseases

Different communicable diseases are commonly seen. Certain times of the year these diseases are more prevalent, such as when the children return to school after the summer vacation. A higher incidence of communicable diseases occurs due to the close proximity needed for transmission. Understanding the breakdown of the diseases and being aware of the symptoms is often your first line of defense.

Chickenpox

• Chickenpox is a communicable disease transmitted from person to person. This disease is spread through direct contact with vesicular fluid or secretions of the respiratory track. Airborne transmission can occur if you are in close enough contact. This communicable disease presents a sudden onset starting with a slight fever and skin eruptions that are itchy. Within a few hours they become blisters. The skin lesions are usually grouped and you can have several stages of maturity at the same time. This disease is communicable for up to seven days. You are contagious usually up to two days before the pox blisters occur and for not more than five days after the first blisters appeared.

Mumps

• Mumps are spread by droplets of saliva or by direct contact with an infected person. Mumps cause the swelling and tenderness of one or both parotid glands. These glands are located just below and in front of the ears. A fever is present with the other symptoms. There are mild cases where the swelling may not occur. This disease is communicable for as much as six days before the swelling and as many as nine days afterward.

Rubella or German measles

• Rubella or German measles are spread through direct contact and droplet secretions of the nasopharyngeal from an infected person. This disease presents with symptoms of a low fever and a reddish rash with a variety of characteristics which lasts about three days. Head and neck lymph glands commonly become enlarged. In older children and adults it is common for symptoms of joint pain to occur. This disease is communicable for seven days before you get the rash and for at least four days once you do have the rash.

Scabies

• Scabies are transmitted by direct skin to skin contact. This disease first appears as an itch rash that is raised. The rash is found around the fingers, wrists, elbows, armpits, belt line and genital area. This rash causes extensive scratching that can be cause for a secondary infection to occur. This highly contagious disease is contagious when the rash is present.

Meningitis, Meningococcal

• Meningitis, Meningococcal is a disease contracted by direct contact or droplet spread of nasopharyngeal secretion droplets of an infected person. Sudden onset of fever and intense headache are the first symptoms of this disease. Delirium and coma can be early symptoms along with a rash that resembles measles This disease can be fatal despite catching it in its early stages. The incubation period for this disease can be anywhere from two to 10 days.

Conjunctivitis, Acute Bacterial (Pink Eye)

• Conjunctivitis, Acute Bacterial (pink eye) is transmitted through contact with discharges form conjunctiva or contaminated articles. This disease presents with swelling of the eyelids and eye discharge. The eyeball becomes pink or red and the eyes are itchy. When waking after sleep the eyelids may be stuck together and they also can become crusty.

Pediculosis (Head Lice)

• Pediculosis (head lice) is a communicable disease transmitted through direct contact with the infected person or their belongings such as hat or hair grooming utensils. Head lice will cause severe itching and scratching, and this will commonly cause a secondary infection. The eggs of the head lice attach to the hair follicles and appear as small round grayish lumps. The eggs will usually hatch within seven to 13 days and reach maturity in about 10 days.